From painted pottery and pet accessories, to scented candles and children’s books, there will be plenty on offer to tempt shoppers who drop in from 10am to 3pm.

Other items include jewellery, beauty products, tableware and crafts along with a selection of chutneys, preserves, mustards and jams.

There will also be a tombola, raffle and face painter as well as a ‘St Clare Family Cafe’ in the Court Room where refreshments will be served.

The event has been organised by St Clare supporter Peter Heap.

He said: “I have always had huge admiration for the Hospice movement and the work that they do, mainly without public funding support and reliant on voluntary work and donations.

“I became involved with St Clare some five years ago when my wife came to their Christmas Fair in Hastingwood and, since we had had previous experience of organising gift fairs for charity, I was asked if I would like to do a bigger one for the Hospice, which we did in Theydon Bois. As the St Clare area stretches up to Saffron Walden, it seemed logical to try and repeat the same success for that area.”

He added: “I enjoy fundraising for St Clare and know that every pound that we raise helps them to maintain their fantastic services for the terminally ill.”

Last year, more than 20 per cent of patients cared for by the hospice came from the Uttlesford area. And since launching its new Hospice at Home service in January, 16 of the 62 families supported by the community team lived in the district.

For more information about the Saffron Walden May Fair, call Mr Heap on 01279 817823 or St Clare community fundraiser Sarah Calder on 07528 520016.